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NFL Quarterback Tim Tebow Talks Tech, Madden And Frank Sinatra

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow teamed up with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Saints tight end Jimmy Graham in Indianapolis last year to win the EA Sports Madden Bowl. This year, Tebow made his first trek to CES, where he launched his own line of sports headphones with Soul Electronics. The Florida Gators Heisman trophy winner took a timeout to talk tech, Madden and explain why Frank Sinatra helps motivate him before football games in this interview.

What did you think of CES?

It’s my first time here. It definitely is a little bit of a whirlwind, but I’m so proud to be here with Soul and be partnered with them. It’s been a lot of fun.

How did you work with Soul Electronics on these headphones?

It is tough to have time. I think having the right priorities definitely helps, but I have great partners. Juan has been a great partner, and Soul has been a great partner. They’ve come and we’ve talked. With the Combat model, I was so interested in having something that was comfortable that I could go run around and practice in before games, I could wear it on the field. So many headphones can be comfortable and sound great, but when you’re warming up they’re going to fall off, and that’s a big distraction.

So we came up with these Combat models that it’s something that you can really keep that same focus pregame working out, and they’re going to hold. They’re going to breathable and feel great. That’s something that we’re really proud of right now.

It’s a crowded headphone market. How do you think these are going to stand out?

We’ll let the people that try them out…hopefully they’ll believe in them. I think for athletes and people that are going to want to work out and train, we have something for them. For someone that is flying a lot that needs that noise cancellation and something comfortable that they can listen to music and sleep with, we’ve got a pair for them. For the mom that is doing a few more extra dishes and she wants to be comfortable, but still listen to her gospel, her country, to whatever she wants. She has something for them. I think that’s what’s great about it. Whoever you are, whatever you’re doing, there’s something that’s going to fit you. That’s something we’re really excited about.

Have you always been into technology?

I haven’t necessarily always been into technology, but I’ve always been into music. Not that I can sing or anything, but I do like listening to music. Especially as an athlete, music is very powerful. It’s inspirational and moving. Before a game, it can also put you in that mindset to really go out there and play your best. We wanted to come up with something that could help us do that, so we came up with this Combat model, and we really believe in it.

How do you see music connecting with sports?

Music is inspirational and moving. When you’re getting ready for a game, you’re into that music, and you have your headsets that are falling off and aren’t staying in place, that’s going to be very distracting and distorting. When you have something that’s going to hold, be form-fitting and breathable, and you’re going to be sweating and exercising but it’s still going to go as hard as you’re going to go and keep up with you; I think that’s something that will do great.

How did you contribute with the design of the headphones?

I wanted something that was going to, number one, be comfortable. Number two, was going to be stable when I’m exercising and working out, so we came up with these Combat models. I think that when you go out there and work out, and you’re training, I think people are going to really enjoy it.

Will you be working on a kids line?

I think a lot these are going to fit for kids. From your kids that are playing sports, to your kids that are heading to school, or whatever they’re doing; I think they’ll be comfortable as well.

What kind of technology do you use on a regular basis besides the headset?

Obviously, the headphones are great. You use them all the time for whatever model I’m using, but I try not to be too into all that type of technology because it’s very distracting.

One of your headphones is named The Jet. Do you wish you had more of a chance to show Jets fans what you could have done this year?

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Could this young man be ANY more endearing and likable? Watching this video of Tim being interviewed it just makes me so sad that this guy gets such grief from the naysayers. He is so kind, compassionate, and humble, and his honesty and openness is both inspiring and refreshing. I pray that Tim Tebow gets another chance to quarterback a team in the NFL because he is so deserving. He proved at Denver that he can win. The Jets are fools if they don’t tap into the Tebow magic and give “Tebow Time” an honest try. If they release him or trade him, it will one day be revealed to have been a HUGE opportunity lost for The Jets. Tim Tebow is one of those rare athletes who is simply unconventional but who finds a way to win anyway. The coach or team that puts their faith in Tim Tebow will be richly rewarded.

I absolutely love Tim Tebow — my kids love Tebow — everyone I know loves this man. There is no doubt in my mind that this kid is destined for great things whether it be on the football field or off. It doesn’t matter to me if he wins or loses, I just love watching him play and the spirit in which he does it. Tim Tebow seems to inspire all who are around him and make them better. Go Tebow!!! Your fans will support you wherever you go. God bless!!!!

Big fan of Tebow here in central Florida. I’m still holding on to hope that somehow Tim will end up at Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, or even the Miami Dolphins to get him back in Florida where we love him and would appreciate him. Football was a whole lot less exciting to watch in 2012 with Tim Tebow warming a bench then it was in 2011 with Tim Tebow out on the field where he belongs. What MORON of a head coach (are you listening Rex Ryan) would not at least give “Tebow Time” a try after the electrifying season Tim Tebow had with The Broncos? Tim Tebow captivated the entire nation. More importantly, for the first time in years The Broncos started winning more games than they lost, not to mention made the playoffs, beat The Steelers, and were 2 games away from The Super Bowl. Still, Rex Ryan thinks having Tim Tebow ride the bench is a good idea — REALLY?!?!?!? How the hell does Rex Ryan still have a job after that absymal display of clueless coaching and utter misuse of talent. I agree with Scottsdale Guy, if The Jets don’t figure out how to use Tim Tebow and then start winning, they have nobody to blame but themselves because they will live to regret such a missed opportunity when they had the chance.

It boggles the mind that The New York Jets coach didn’t turn to Tim Tebow to at least see what he was capable of doing for that team. Was Rex Ryan unconscious during the 2011 football season? Did he not watch Tim Tebow defy critics game after game after game? Is he not aware that Tim Tebow broke a Denver Bronco PASSING record against one of the NFL’s leading defenses (The Steelers) in the playoffs? Did he not think maybe, just maybe, Tim Tebow could st least help give The Jets the jolt they were in dire need of? Even after all playoff hopes were lost, still Rex Ryan refused to play Tim Tebow. This bordered on insanity. Were they afraid Tim Tebow might actually do well and The Jets win? Surely there is an NFL coach, GM, or team owner out there that sees that there is loads of tried and true proven potential here in Tim Tebow. He may be unconventional, but the boy is a baller and more often than not he finds a way to win. Since win is winning football games not a factor? Praying for “Tebow Time” in 2013.